*Aluminum? If you are using aluminum, set the Polarity Selector Switch to the full counterclockwise position, Alternating Current (AC). You should be using the green tungstens (pure tungsten).for AC TIG welding.

*Aluminum? If you are using aluminum, set the Polarity Selector Switch to the full counterclockwise position, Alternating Current (AC). You should be using the green tungstens (pure tungsten).for AC TIG welding.

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* Welder consumables are on this list: [[Welding Shop Consumables]]

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Revision as of 10:52, 7 October 2012

TIG Welder - P&H

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Contents

Intro

Rules

Instructions

Turn on the Argon Gas bottle at the wall rack. Remember that the seal system for inert gas only completely seals the stem at full closed and full open. Turn the knob in the desired direction until it stops. When the TIG machine is turned on, you can adjust the argon flow (watch the red ball in the vertical glass tube).

Check the power switch on the junction box on the wall. Is it turned on?

Quirks of the I3 P&H TIG machine.

Sometimes the foot pedal sticks just enough to turn on the solenoid. This is very bad, particularly if you are using an old style welders shield. Its too easy to flash your eyes in error. Best action, is to ensure foot pedal is at top of stroke before you turn on the machine.

Argon use. The machine flows argon gas whenever the machine is turned on. Argon gas is expensive. This means turn off the machine when you have finished your weld, and don’t turn it on again until just before you are ready to run your next bead.

Machine settings: What material are you welding?

Steel? If you are using steel, set the Polarity Selector Switch (large three position switch on the right hand lower area) to the full clockwise position, Direct Current Straight Polarity (DC Electrode Negative). You should be using the red tungstens (2% Thoriated) for DC TIG welding.

Aluminum? If you are using aluminum, set the Polarity Selector Switch to the full counterclockwise position, Alternating Current (AC). You should be using the green tungstens (pure tungsten).for AC TIG welding.

Maintenance Info

FAQ

ToDo

Other

Other machine settings?

Set the large Output Control knob to desired setting. The foot pedal will control the actually amperage output to the maximum set on the dial. If you need less heat, back off on the foot pedal. If you need more heat, press the foot pedal further down.

There are two small black dials on the right hand side of the machine, These are for the high frequency start circuit. Normally both of these knobs are set such that the white indicator line on the knob is vertical.

Getting ready to weld.

Prepare all of your materials. Ensure you have clean metal, including stainless steel wire brush on all aluminum to remove the surface coat of aluminum oxide.

As a general rule, set tungsten extension “stick out” distance equal to the diameter of the electrode. You may have to extend it further to reach some welds as required, but note this makes it harder to ensure inert gas coverage, etc.

As a rule of thumb, while TIG welding, arc length (the distance between the end of the electrode and the work piece) is: One electrode diameter for A/C TIG welding, and usually considerably less for D/C TIG welding. Be careful to not allow the hot electrode to contact the weld puddle, or the filler rod. If you do touch, you will see a flash of light, and molten material will wick up and contaminate the tungsten electrode. When that happens, you should stop, regrind the electrode.